Search

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefaesschirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Der Pneumologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

FUNDAMENTO: As troponinas cardíacas são marcadores altamente sensíveis e específicos de lesão miocárdica. Esses marcadores foram detectados na insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e estão associadas com mau prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação da troponina T (cTnT) e suas faixas de valores com o prognóstico na IC descompensada. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se 70 pacientes com piora da IC crônica que necessitaram de hospitalização. Na admissão, o modelo de Cox foi utilizado para avaliar as variáveis capazes de predizer o desfecho composto por morte ou re-hospitalização em razão de piora da IC durante um ano. RESULTADOS: Durante o seguimento, ocorreram 44 mortes, 36 re-hospitalizações por IC e 56 desfechos compostos. Na análise multivariada, os preditores de eventos clínicos foram: cTnT (cTnT > 0,100 ng/ml; hazard ratio (HR) 3,95 intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%: 1,64-9,49, p = 0,002), diâmetro diastólico final do ventrículo esquerdo (DDVE >70 mm; HR 1,92, IC95%: 1,06-3,47, p = 0,031) e sódio sérico (Na 0,020 e < 0,100 ng/ml, n = 36) e cTnT-alto (cTnT > 0,100 ng/ml, n = 12). As probabilidades de sobrevida e sobrevida livre de eventos foram: 54,2%, 31,5%, 16,7% (p = 0,020), e 36,4%, 11,5%, 8,3% (p = 0,005), respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A elevação da cTnT está associada com mau prognóstico na IC descompensada, e o grau dessa elevação pode facilitar a estratificação de risco.FUNDAMENTO: Las troponinas cardíacas son marcadores altamente sensibles y específicos de lesión miocárdica. Se las detectaron en la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) y están asociadas con mal pronóstico. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación de la troponina T (cTnT) y sus franjas de valores con el pronóstico en la IC descompensada. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron a 70 pacientes con empeoramiento de la IC crónica que necesitaron hospitalización. Al ingreso, se empleó el modelo de Cox para evaluar las variables capaces de predecir el desenlace conformado por muerte o rehospitalización en razón de empeoramiento de la IC durante un año. RESULTADOS: Durante el seguimiento, ocurrieron 44 muertes, 36 rehospitalizaciones por IC y 56 desenlaces compuestos. En el análisis multivariado, los predictores de eventos clínicos fueron: cTnT (cTnT > 0,100 ng/ml; hazard ratio (HR) 3,95 intervalo de confianza (IC) 95%: 1,64-9,49, p = 0,002), diámetro diastólico final del ventrículo izquierdo (DDVI >70 mm; HR 1,92, IC95%: 1,06-3,47, p = 0,031) y sodio sérico (Na 0,020 y < 0,100 ng/ml, n = 36) y cTnT-alto (cTnT > 0,100 ng/ml, n = 12). Las probabilidades de sobrevida y sobrevida libre de eventos fueron: 54,2%, 31,5%, 16,7% (p = 0,020), y 36,4%, 11,5%, 8,3% (p = 0,005), respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: La elevación de la cTnT está asociada con mal pronóstico en la IC descompensada, y el grado de esa elevación puede facilitar la estratificación de riesgo.BACKGROUND: The cardiac troponins are highly sensitive and specific markers of myocardial injury. They have been detected in heart failure (HF) and are associated with a bad prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and its ranges with prognosis in decompensated HF. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with chronic HF worsening that needed hospitalization were studied. Cox model was used to evaluate the variables at admission capable of predicting the combined outcome that consisted of death or re-hospitalization due to HF worsening during a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: During the follow-up, there were 44 deaths, 36 re-hospitalizations due to HF and 56 combined outcomes. At the multivariate analysis, the predictors of clinical events were the cTnT (cTnT >0.100 ng/mL; hazard ratio [HR] 3.95 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-9.49, p = 0.002), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDD >70 mm; HR 1.92, 95%CI: 1.06-3.47, p = 0.031) and serum sodium (Na 0.020 and 0.100 ng/ml, n = 12).The probabilities of survival and event-free survival were 54.2%, 31.5%, 16.7% (p = 0.020) and 36.4%, 11.5%, 8.3% (p = 0.005), respectively. CONCLUSION: The increase in cTnT is associated with a bad prognosis in decompensated HF and the degree of this increase can help the risk stratification.

FUNDAMENTO: Os pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) que necessitam ser hospitalizados para compensação constituem grupo de maior gravidade, que evoluem com alta mortalidade e alta taxa de re-hospitalizações. OBJETIVO: Procuramos avaliar a atual história natural da IC por meio da taxa de mortalidade e de re-hospitalizações, nessa nova era do bloqueio neuro-hormonal. MÉTODOS: Acompanhamos a evolução de 263 pacientes com FE média de 27,1%, internados para compensação, entre janeiro de 2005 e outubro de 2006. Foram hospitalizados somente os pacientes que após avaliação e medicação no PS não estavam em condições de ter alta. Os pacientes encontravam-se em CF III/IV, a idade média foi de 59,9±15,2 anos, a maioria homens e 63,1% necessitaram de inotrópicos para compensação na fase aguda. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de internação foi de 25,1±16,7 dias. Durante a internação 23 (8,8%) morreram. Após a alta, no período médio de seguimento de 370 dias, dos 240 que tiveram alta, 123 (51,2%) procuraram o PS de 1 a 12 vezes (total de passagens: 350), sendo 76 re-internados, sendo a média de dias da re-hospitalização de 23,5±18,0. No primeiro ano de seguimento 62 (25,8%) pacientes morreram. CONCLUSÃO: A IC continua evoluindo com alta mortalidade e alta taxa de re-hospitalização. Ao final do primeiro ano 44,5% desses pacientes não necessitaram passar no PS ou morreram, números que indicam que devemos continuar dando grande atenção aos portadores de IC, na tentativa de mudar a história natural dos portadores dessa síndrome, cada vez mais freqüente.BACKGROUND: Patients who require hospitalization because of decompensated HF represent a group of the most seriously ill individuals who evolve with high mortality and hospital readmission rates. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the current natural course of HF by analyzing mortality and readmission rates in this new era of neurohormonal blockage. METHODS: We followed the progress of 263 patients with a mean EF of 27.1%, admitted for decompensated HF between January 2005 and October 2006. Patients readmitted were only those whose health status precluded discharge after assessment and drug treatment in the Emergency Department. Patients were classified as HF-FC III/IV, mean age was 59.9±15.2 years, most were men, and 63.1% required inotropic drugs for cardiac compensation in the acute phase. RESULTS: Average hospital stay was 25.1±16.7 days. During hospitalization, 23 (8.8%) patients died. After discharge, over an average follow-up period of 370 days, of the 240 patients who were discharged 123 (51.2%) returned to the Emergency Department 1 to 12 times (total number of visits: 350); 76 of them were readmitted, and the average length of readmission stay was 23.5±18.0 days. Over the first year of follow-up, 62 (25.8%) patients died. CONCLUSIONS: HF remains a condition associated with high mortality and high hospital readmission rates. At the end of the first year, 44.5% of these patients had not needed to visit the ER or had died, which indicates that we should provide HF patients with the best possible care in an attempt to change the natural course of this increasingly frequent syndrome.

FUNDAMENTO: A incidência de hiperpotassemia relacionada à espironolactona é baixa na insuficiência cardíaca estável, entretanto não foi estudada durante a descompensação. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da espironolactona na insuficiência cardíaca descompensada sobre o potássio sérico. MÉTODOS: Em um estudo de coorte, selecionamos pacientes hospitalizados por descompensação da insuficiência cardíaca, FEVE < 0,45 e potássio sérico entre 3,5 e 5,5 mEq/l. Os pacientes foram divididos segundo o uso da espironolactona (grupo E) ou não (grupo C). O desfecho foi aumento do potássio (> 6,0 mEq/l) e uso de poliestireno de cálcio. Realizou-se a análise multivariada pela regressão logística, e p < 0,05 foi considerado significante. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 186 pacientes (grupo E: 56; grupo C: 130), FEVE 0,25, idade 55,5 anos e 65,2% de homens. A incidência de hiperpotassemia foi de 10,7% no grupo E e de 5,4% no grupo C (p = 0,862). A análise multivariada mostrou que a uréia sérica > 60,5 mg/dl, durante a internação, apresenta risco relativo de 9,6 (IC 95% 8,03 - 11,20; p = 0,005) para a ocorrência de hiperpotassemia. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de hiperpotassemia foi duas vezes maior com espironolactona, mas não estatisticamente significante. Elevação da uréia foi associada à hiperpotassemia. Estudos randomizados são necessários para esclarecer o assunto.BACKGROUND: The incidence of hyperkalemia related to spironolactone use is low in stable heart failure; however, it has not been studied during decompensation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of spironolactone on serum potassium in decompensated heart failure (HF). METHODS: In a cohort study, patients that had been hospitalized due to decompensated HF, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.45 and serum potassium between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/l were selected. The patients were divided according to spironolactone use (Group S) or no use (Group C). The outcome was potassium increase (> 6.0 mEq/l) and the use of calcium polystyrene. A multivariate analysis through logistic regression was carried out and values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients (group S: 56; group C: 130) were studied; LVEF of 0.25, aged 55.5 years and 65.2% of them males. The incidence of hyperkalemia was 10.7% in group S and 5.4% in group C (p = 0.862). The multivariate analysis showed that serum urea > 60.5 mg/dl during the hospitalization presents a relative risk of 9.6 (95%CI 8.03 - 11.20; p = 0.005) for the occurrence of hyperkalemia. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hyperkalemia was two-fold higher with spironolactone use, but it was not statistically significant. The increase in urea levels was associated to the hyperkalemia. Randomized studies are necessary to clarify this issue.

FUNDAMENTO: Os recentes estudos MADIT II e SCD-HeFT levaram a uma expansão das indicações do uso profilático de cardiodesfibrilador implantável (CDI) em pacientes com grave disfunção ventricular esquerda. Essa terapia não foi totalmente adotada em nosso sistema de saúde, sobretudo em virtude de seu alto custo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a taxa de mortalidade global de pacientes da nossa prática diária que têm o mesmo perfil dos participantes do estudo SCD-HeFT, estão recebendo tratamento clínico otimizado e não foram submetidos a implante de CDI, e comparar essa taxa com a do grupo de placebo do estudo SCD-HeFT. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo pacientes com o mesmo perfil dos participantes do estudo SCD-HeFT identificados a partir de prontuários médicos. A taxa de mortalidade global foi avaliada por contato telefônico. A análise estatística foi realizada com o teste t de Student, teste de Mann-Whitney ou teste de qui-quadrado, dependendo do tipo de variável. As taxas cumulativas de mortalidade foram calculadas de acordo com o método de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Este estudo englobou 102 pacientes, 74 dos quais do sexo masculino. A mediana da idade foi 64 anos e a média da fração de ejeção, 25%. Não encontramos diferenças entre os nossos pacientes e os pacientes do estudo SCD-HeFT em relação a essas três variáveis. Durante o período de acompanhamento de 19,6 meses, 21 pacientes morreram (20,6%), contra 28,8% do estudo SCD-HeFT. Essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significante (p = 0,08). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na taxa de mortalidade dos nossos pacientes e dos pacientes do grupo de placebo do estudo SCD-HeFT. Esses resultados indicam que a população do SCD-HeFT é representativa dos nossos pacientes.BACKGROUND: Recent MADIT II and SCD-HeFT trials have led to an expansion of indications for use of prophylactic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in patients with severe left-ventricular impairment. This therapy has not been fully adopted in our health care system, mainly due to its high cost. OBJECTIVE: To assess total mortality of SCD-HeFT-like patients from our daily practice who are under stable, optimal medical treatment and who have not received an ICD; and to compare it to that of the placebo arm of the SCD-HeFT Trial. METHODS: SCD-HeFT-like patients identified from office medical records were included in our study. Total mortality was assessed by telephone contact. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t-Test, Mann-Whitney Test or chi2 test, depending on the type of variable. Cumulative mortality rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Our study comprised 102 patients (seventy-four of which were men) with a median age of 64 years, and an overall median ejection fraction of 25%. We found no differences between our patients and SCD-HeFT patients across these 3 variables. Over a 19.6-month follow-up period, 21 patients died (20.6%) vs. 28.8% of the SCD-HeFT patients. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: SCD-HeFT-like patients from our practice had no difference in mortality rate than patients enrolled in the placebo arm of the SCD-HeFT trial. These results suggest that the SCD-HeFT population is representative of our patients.

OBJETIVO: Realizar uma análise da estimulação biventricular convencional (BV), da estimulação bifocal (BF) de ventrículo direito (VD) e uma análise comparativa das duas técnicas, em relação aos parâmetros clínicos, funcionais e ecocardiográficos, em uma população sem os critérios de exclusão dos trabalhos clássicos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados de forma prospectiva, não randomizada, 36 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia para implantes de marcapassos multissítos devido a QRS > 130 ms, disfunção ventricular esquerda grave e insuficiência cardíaca congestiva classe funcional III ou IV. RESULTADOS: Os resultados favoráveis da ressincronização foram obtidos com as duas técnicas, sem diferenças significativas na comparação dos dois grupos, exceto por maior estreitamento do QRS e tendência a menor número de internações no grupo dos BV. Quando os grupos foram analisados individualmente e comparados, antes e após os procedimentos, observamos que as melhoras foram bem mais expressivas no grupo dos biventriculares, assim como os índices de relevância estatística maiores. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca mostrou ser terapia eficaz nos 2 grupos analisados, entretanto com resultados mais expressivos no grupo dos biventriculares.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the conventional biventricular pacing (BV) and the bifocal (BF) right ventricular (RV) pacing, and to perform a comparative analysis of these two techniques in relation to clinical, functional and echocardiographic parameters in a population without the exclusion criteria of the major studies. METHODS:A prospective non-randomized analysis of 36 patients undergoing surgery for multisite pacemaker implantation due to QRS > 130 ms, severe left ventricular dysfunction, and NYHA functional class III or ambulatory class IV congestive heart failure was performed. RESULTS: Favorable results of resynchronization were obtained with both techniques, with no significant differences in the comparison of the two groups, except for a higher QRS narrowing in the BV group, and a trend of a lower number or hospital admissions in the BV group. When the groups were analyzed separately and compared before and after the procedures, we observed that improvement was much more significant in the biventricular group, as were the more statistically relevant rates. CONCLUSION: Cardiac resynchronization therapy proved to be an efficient therapy in both groups analyzed, although with more significant outcomes in the biventricular group.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) presents, besides the magnitude of epidemiological data, relevant characteristics, including frequent hospitalizations caused by severe signs and symptoms, which should be studied to reduce the negative impact of the disease on the public health system. With the advent of several clinical trials in the area of CHF, the treatment has become more complex, with the need of a more organized structure to assist these patients. Education is considered essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. The setting, to begin or to continue the educational process, can be a hospital (hospitalization), outpatient clinic, home, a day-hospital or yet, a combination of these. The main researches in this area recognize and motivate an investigation of other paths to get better results in the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. In this study we review recent data, approaching several educational settings in the management of patients with CHF.La insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva (ICC) además de la magnitud epidemiológica, presenta características relevantes, entre las que se incluyen hospitalizaciones frecuentes debidas a la exacerbación de signos y síntomas, los cuales deben ser ampliamente abordados para reducir el impacto negativo de la enfermedad en el sistema público de salud. Con la aparición de nuevos ensayos clínicos en el área de ICC, el tratamiento pasó a ser más complejo, surgiendo la necesidad de una estructura más organizada para la atención de los pacientes afectados. En este contexto, la educación es considerada esencial para reducir la morbimortalidad, siendo el escenario ideal para dar continuidad en el proceso educativo, el ambiente hospitalario (internación), el ambiente de ambulatorio, el domiciliar, en la rutina diaria del hospital, o en la combinación de éstos. Investigadores del área reconocen y estimulan a la investigación, de tal modo que sea posible mejorar los resultados en el tratamiento farmacológico y no-farmacológico. En este artículo revisaremos información contemporánea, abordando los diversos escenarios de educación para el manejo del pacientes con ICC.A insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) apresenta, além da magnitude dos dados epidemiológicos, características relevantes, incluindo hospitalizações freqüentes devidas à exacerbação dos sinais e sintomas, que devem ser mais amplamente abordados para reduzir o impacto negativo da doença sobre o sistema público de saúde. Com o advento dos vários ensaios clínicos na área de ICC, o tratamento da doença passou a ser mais complexo, necessitando de uma estrutura organizada para o atendimento de pacientes por ela acometidos. A educação, nesse contexto, é considerada essencial para reduzir a morbimortalidade. O cenário, para o início ou a continuidade do processo educativo, pode ser hospitalar (internação), ambulatorial, domiciliar, hospital-dia ou, ainda, ser uma combinação desses ambientes. Os principais pesquisadores nessa área reconhecem e estimulam a investigação de outros caminhos, que melhorem os resultados no tratamento farmacológico e não-farmacológico. Neste artigo, revisaremos dados contemporâneos, abordando os diversos cenários da educação para o manejo de pacientes com ICC.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a ativação elétrica cardíaca usando Mapeamento Eletrocardiográfico de Superfície (MES), em pacientes com ICC e bloqueio de ramo esquerdo [BRE] submetidos a terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (CRT) com implante de marca-passo átrio-biventricular (MP-BIV). MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os tempos médios de ativação elétrica cardíaca no ventrículo direito (tempo médio de ativação do VD [mVD]), área ântero-septal (mAS), e ventrículo esquerdo (mVE), de 28 pacientes (idade média 61,2±9,5 anos, ICC classe III-IV NYHA, fração de ejeção OBJECTIVES: To assess cardiac electrical activation by using body surface potential mapping (BSPM), in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacemaker (BIV-PM) implantation. METHODS: Mean cardiac electrical activation times were analyzed in the right ventricle (RV) (mean RV activation time = mRV), anteroseptal area (mAS), and left ventricle (mLV) of 28 patients (mean age 61.2 ± 9.5 years; NYHA class III-IV CHF; ejection fraction

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a geometria e a função do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) após a troca mitral com tração e fixação dos papilares, em portadores de insuficiência cardíaca terminal com insuficiência mitral secundária. MÉTODO: Dos 20 pacientes avaliados, 70% eram homens, com idade média de 50,2 anos e 55% recebiam inotrópicos. A fração de ejeção (FEVE) foi menor que 30% em todos; 85% estavam em classe funcional (CF) IV. Dezoito receberam próteses de pericárdio bovino e dois, mecânicas. Os períodos considerados foram: 3, 6, 12 e 18 meses. As variáveis consideradas: volume sistólico do VE (VS), a FEVE, os diâmetros sistólico e diastólico finais (DSF e DDF) e os volumes sistólico e diastólico finais (VSF e VDF). No estudo estatístico, empregou-se da análise de variância (AV) e o teste de Friedmann (F). A sobrevida foi aferida pelo método de Kaplan-Meyer. RESULTADOS: Dois (10%) faleceram no período imediato. A sobrevida no primeiro ano foi de 85%, no segundo, 44%, no terceiro, 44%, no quarto, 44% e no quinto, 44%. A comparação entre pré e 3 meses, empregando-se a AV, não revelou alteração significativa para o VS (p=0,086). Houve acréscimo da FEVE (p=0,008) e decréscimo do DDF (p=0,038); do DSF (p=0,008); do VDF (p=0,029) e do VSF (p=0,009). Os momentos pré, 3 e 6 meses, com o teste F, não revelaram alterações. Entre os momentos pré, 3 meses e final, empregando-se a AV, não houve significância. CONCLUSÃO: Há melhora da FEVE, dos VDF, VSF, DDF e DSF; até o terceiro mês. A partir de então, as variáveis permanecem estáveis.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating results of mitral valve replacement using a new technique of complete chordae tendineae adjustment for left ventricular remodeling. METHODS: Twenty end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with severe functional mitral valve regurgitation underwent mitral valve replacement. Seventeen (85%) were in functional class IV. Both anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve were divided to obtain 4 pillars of chordae tendineae. These were displaced with traction toward the left atrium and anchored between the mitral annulus and a valvular prosthesis. To evaluate the left ventricular remodeling, Doppler echocardiography was performed. For statistical analysis, variance analysis and the Friedman's test were employed. RESULTS: Two (10%) early deaths occurred. Kaplan-Meyer showed survival at one year post-operative was 85%, 2 years it was 44%, at 3 years 44%, at 4 years 44% and at 5 years it was 44%. In the 48- and 54-month follow-ups, the McNemar test showed improvement in the functional class (p

Paciente masculino, 55 anos, com queixa progressiva há 1 ano e 8 meses. Estava com 160kg (habitual 95 kg), extremamente edemaciado, com ortopnéia. Trouxe exames ecocardiográficos normais e eletrocardiograma com inversão de onda T. Biópsia endomiocárdica afastou fibrose endomiocárdica ou cardiomiopatia restritiva, mas as curvas pressóricas eram típicas de processo restritivo. Novo ecocardiograma agora mostrou pericárdio bastante espesso. Indicada pericardiectomia, recebendo alta com remissão completa dos sintomas. O estudo anatomopatológico foi inespecífico, sendo a pericardite classificada como idiopática. O caso alerta para a necessidade de alto grau de suspeição de pericardite constritiva em pacientes com ascite volumosa sem causa aparente.A 55-year-old male patient presented in our service with progressive dyspnea and ascitis beginning 1 year and 8 months previously. He weighed 160 kg (normal weight 95 kg), with ascitis and orthopnea. On admission he presented normal echocardiograms. An electrocardiogram showed diffuse inverted T waves. An endomyocardial biopsy was not elucidative. A new echocardiogram confirmed a very thick pericardium. Surgical pericardial resection was indicated. The postoperative period was uneventful with complete remission of symptoms. The anatomopathological analysis was normal. The pericarditis was classified as idiopathic. This case is a warning for the need of much suspicion in patients with apparent causeless voluminous ascitis.

Background. Primary malignant cardiac tumors are rare entities and rhabdomyosarcoma accounts 20% of these lesions. Case report. We presented a female patient with loss of appetite and loss of weight. She also had symptoms of heart failure and bilateral pleural effusions. A mobile tumor in the left heart with the entrance from the left atrium to left ventricle during diastole was seen by transthoracic echocardiography. The tumor was extirpated in total, histologic diagnosis was rhabdomyosarcoma, and the patient died after 6 months. Conclusion. Primary malignant cardiac tumors can simulate heart failure or systemic disorders. Cardiac rhabdomyosarcomas have a poor prognosis with the average survival of 6 months after the occurrence of symptoms and making a diagnosis. In cardiac insufficiency, differential diagnostics should be used to consider cardiac tumors that could be with certainty confirmed or excluded by echocardiography.

Atualmente, a Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) é causa de preocupação crescente em todo o mundo, frente a sua prevalência e incidência progressivas e sua repercussão socio-econômica, apontando para a necessidade de revisão do conceito da síndrome e de adoção de medidas para redução dos seus custos econômicos e sociais. Este artigo tem como finalidade contextualizar os avanços na compreensão da fisiopatologia e do tratamento da IC e a atuação de Enfermagem junto aos pacientes portadores desta síndrome.Actualmente, la Insuficiencia Cardíaca (IC) es causa de preocupación creciente en todo el mundo, en vista de su prevalecimiento e incidencias progresivas y su repercusión socioeconómica, indicando la necesidad de revisión del concepto del síndrome y de la adopción de medidas para la reducción de sus costos económicos y sociales. Este artículo tiene como finalidad puntualizar los adelantos del entendimiento de la fisiopatología y del tratamiento de la IC, y la actuación de la enfermería con los pacientes portadores de este síndrome.Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) has been cause of increasing concern in the world, face its progressive prevalence and incidence and its social and economic repercussion, pointing to the need of revision of the syndrome concept and adoption of measures to reduce its economical and social costs. The objective of this study is to contextualize the comprehension of the physiopathology and the treatment of CHF and the nursing interventions to patients with this syndrome.

OBJETIVO: A função do Sistema Nervoso Intrínseco Cardíaco e o seu papel na doença cardíaca permanecem pobremente compreendidos. Sabe-se que o cloreto de benzalcônio (CB) induz a desnervação intrínseca do tubo digestivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi tentar produzir um modelo experimental de desnervação intrínseca do coração utilizando o CB. MÉTODO: Trinta ratos Wistar foram submetidos à aplicação intrapericárdica de CB (0,3%) e trinta animais controle receberam a solução salina. Após 15 dias, os animais foram divididos em três grupos, com 10 animais tratados e 10 controles em cada. Os animais do grupo I foram submetidos a estudo radiológico e histopatológico. A área cardíaca e o índice cardiotorácico (ICT) foram medidos nas radiografias. Os animais do grupo II foram submetidos a estudo hemodinâmico com registro da pressão arterial, freqüência cardíaca e débito cardíaco. No grupo III, a integridade da inervação parassimpática extrínseca do coração foi avaliada por estimulação vagal direita. O sistema de condução foi avaliado pelo ECG basal. RESULTADOS: A aplicação de CB acarretou aumento do ICT, da área cardíaca, pressão arterial e débito cardíaco, bem como do peso ponderal e do fígado. Nestes animais, a análise histopatológica mostrou redução do número de neurônios atriais e congestão passiva crônica do fígado. A estimulação vagal não mostrou diferenças entre os grupos experimentais. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação do sistema nervoso intrínseco propiciou o aparecimento de cardiopatia dilatada com insuficiência cardíaca direita e esquerda. Esse modelo experimental inédito deverá nortear futuros estudos na tentativa da elucidação da relação entre lesão neuronal e miocardiopatia.OBJECTIVE: The function of Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System is largely unknown, as is its role in heart disease. In the digestive system, a topic aplication of Benzalkonium chloride (BC) leads to intrinsic denervation of the viscera. Thus, our aim was to obtain an experimental model of cardiac intrinsic denervation by the application of BC. METHOD: Thirty male Wistar rats received intrapericardic injection of CB 0.3% (CB animals) and thirty similar animals received saline (C animals). After 15 days the animals were divided in three groups, with 10 CB-treated and 10 saline-treated animals each. Group I was submitted to radiological and morphologic studies. The cardiac shadow area (CSA) and cardiothoracic index were calculated in roentgenograms with a semi-automatic image analysis system (MINI-MOP). The day after the animals were weighted and sacrificed with heart, liver and lung collected for histopathologic analysis. The animals of group II were submitted to a hemodynamic study. Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were performed using the Cardiomax II termodilution system and a Termistor sensor. With the animals of the group III, the integrity of extrinsic parassympatic cardiac innervartion was examined by measuring heart rate response to electrical stimulation of the right vagus. Electrical activity was assessed by ECG. RESULTS: CB animals presented increases in cardiothoracic index, CSA, body and liver weight. In these animals the histopathologic analysis showed passive chronic congestion and reduction of the number of atrial neurons. In the hemodynamic study, total peripheral resistance and heart rate were similar in both groups, but blood pressure and cardiac index were reduced in the CB group. The vagal stimulation and ECG were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System denervation caused dilated cardiopathy in rats with left and right heart failure. The etiology of some dilated cardiopathies in human is largely unknown. Thisunpublished experimental model should provide future studies with the objective of elucidating the relationship between neuronal injures and heart disease.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the impact of the contraindications for heart transplantation in mortality and survival time after partial left ventriculectomy. METHOD: A prospective clinical study of a cohort of 43 patients submitted to partial left ventriculectomy, in whom there were contraindications for heart transplantation was performed. The following contraindications were analyzed: psychological, sociocultural, age of 65 years of age and older, elevated pulmonary arteriolar resistance and pulmonary arterial hypertension and the refusal or not for transplantation. These variables were tested for association with postoperative mortality and survival time after partial left ventriculectomy. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, non-parametric log-rank test, Cox regression model, 95% confidence intervals and p values (significant if less than 0.05). RESULTS: Higher postoperative mortality rates for partial left ventriculectomy were found when the following contraindications of heart transplantation were present preoperatively: poor sociocultural conditions (p = 0.037), psychological disturbances (p = 0.037) and in patients who accepted heart transplantation even when counseled against this procedure (p = 0.017). Survival time was significantly shortened in the presence of psychological disturbances (p = 0.0466), in patients older than 65 years (p = 0.0397) and in those who did not accept heart transplantation (p = 0.0306). Elevated pulmonary arteriolar resistance and pulmonary arterial hypertension were not associated with higher mortality rates or shortened survival time. CONCLUSION: Some of the contraindications for heart transplantation adversely affected the mortality and survival time after partial left ventriculectomy, thus revealing the ineffectiveness of this alternative procedure in this subset of patients.

Se hizo una revisión acerca de la insuficiencia cardíaca, síndrome cuya prevalencia es mayor cada día; sus causas fundamentales siguen siendo la cardiopatía isquémica y la hipertensión arterial; el predominio sistólico o diastólico de la disfunción puede tener implicaciones terapéuticas. Se ha comprobado que el ecocardiograma ha logrado la detección precoz de la disfunción, con lo cual se ha podido prevenir mediante inhibidores de la enzima conversora de angiotensina el paso a fases más avanzadas de la enfermedad y que la aprobación del uso de betabloqueadores en estos pacientes constituye una verdadera revolución en el campo de la terapia cardiovascular. Viejos fármacos como la digoxina, la espironolactona y la amiodarona han recuperado sus lugares en el tratamiento de individuos seleccionados. Los anticálcicos demuestran no ser beneficiosos y los antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II se muestran promisorios. Se hizo una actualización del tratamiento en relación con la medicina basada en la evidenciaA review on heart failure, a syndrome whose prevalence increases every day, is made. Its main causes are still ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension. The systolic or diastolic predominance of dysfunction may have therapeutic implications. It has been demonstrated that the echocardiogram has made possible the early detection of dysfunction, wich has allowed to prevent the passage to more advanced stages of the disease by administering angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The approval of the use of beta blockers in these patients is a real revolution in the field of cardiovascular therapy. Old drugs like digoxin, spironolactone and amiodarone have recovered their places in the treatment of selected individuals. The calcium antagonists have proved not to be beneficial, whereas the antagonists of angiotensin II receptors seem to be promissory. The treatment was updated in connection with evidence-based medicine

Se propuso revisar los nuevos conocimientos sobre los receptores de la angiotensina II y las implicaciones clínicas y terapéuticas derivadas de su bloqueo farmacológico. Se destacó la reconocida importancia del sistema renina-angiotensina en la regulación cardiovascular y renal y se explicó que sus efectos están medidos por la acción de la AII sobre sus receptores (tipo 1 y tipo 2). Se concluyó que los recientes avances en el control farmacológico de ese sistema, especialmente por la aparición de nuevos antagonistas de los receptores de la AII activos por vía oral, como el losartán, pueden ser de extraordinaria eficacia en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial, insuficiencia cardíaca y en evitar la progresión de la insuficiencia renal crónica.The purpose of this paper was to review the new knowledge about angiotensin II receptors as well as the clinical and therapeutic implications resulting from their pharmacological block. It was stressed the great importance of the renin-angiotensin system in the cardiovascular and renal regulation and it was also explained that its effects are measured by the action of AII on its receptors (type 1 and type 2). It was concluded that the recent advances achieved in the pharmacological control of that system, specially due to the appearance of new orally active angiotensin II receptor antagonists, such as losartan, may be extraordinarily efficient in the treatment of arterial hypertension and heart failure, and may prevent the progression of chronic kidney failure.

La estimulación multisitio constituye una alternativa terapéutica para pacientes con disfunción ventricular severa. Esta técnica fue utilizada en 6 pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria, clase funcional III-IV y bloqueo de rama izquierda, para evaluar su eficacia. Se programaron intervalos PR variables para estimulación: Biventricular: entre el seno coronario o el ventrículo izquierdo y la punta del ventrículo derecho; y Bifocal: entre el tracto de salida y la punta del ventrículo derecho. Se realizó una ventriculografía nuclear en estado basal, a los 7 días y a los 6 meses posimplantación, para medir las fracciones de eyección, el sincronismo ventricular y el índice de regurgitación mitral. Durante el seguimiento, 2 pacientes hicieron insuficiencia cardíaca refractaria y uno de ellos falleció (estimulación bifocal). La mejoría de la fracción de eyección y de la capacidad funcional fueron evidentes con la estimulación biventricular. Esta técnica resultó eficaz en el tratamiento de la disfunción ventricular severa.The multisite pacing is a therapeutic alternative for patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. This technique was used in 6 patients with functional class III-IV refractory heart failure and left bundle branch block to evaluate its efficiency. Variable PR intervals were programmed for biventricular pacing between the output tract and the apex of the right ventricle. A nuclear ventriculography in basal state was performed on the 7th day and on the 6th month after the implantation to measure the ejection fractions, the ventricular synchronism and the mitral regurgitation index. During the follow-up, 2 patients had refractory heart failure and one of them died (bifocal pacing). The improvement of the ejection fraction and of the functional capacity were evident with the biventricular pacing. This technique proved to be efficient in the treatment of severe ventricular dysfunction.

This research had looked for the necessities of nursing care of outpatients with congestive heart failure, through systematic nursing consultation supported in sensible listening. It was an exploratory research using the research/take care technique considering the nursing consultation phases as methodological and technological instruments based on sensible listening theorized by Barbier. Among the cares necessities diagnosis, it was observed that all the citizens had lack of knowledge on its illness and the type of specific diet for its disease. It was confirmed that health education was necessary to be promoted by nursing, not focusing the actions only for physical aspects of the illness. Therefore if using social and sensitivity techniques, costumers can better perceive their necessities not verbalized by themselves.

The article focuses on implantable sensors for heart failure (HF). These cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) include electrophsyiologic, hemodynamic and impedance monitoring sensors. According to the authors, CIEDs may soon be able to modulate atrioventricular (AV) interval, altering left-ventricle (LV)-right ventricle (RV) pacing timings and even delivering other forms of treatment like cardiac contractility modulation.

Despite recent advances in left ventricular assist device and total artificial heart technologies, these devices are still so large that they pose a significant problem in small patients with refractory heart failure. Excising the left ventricle while preserving the right ventricle--and then replacing the left ventricle with a mechanical pump--has been proposed as an alternative approach to this problem. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate possible surgical techniques and the hemodynamic effects of right ventricle-sparing left ventricular resection and replacement with a continuous-flow rotary blood pump in a healthy bovine model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Many chronic heart failure (CHF) patients take β-blockers. When such patients are hospitalized for decompensation, it remains unclear how ongoing β-blocker treatment will affect outcomes of acute inotrope therapy. We aimed to assess outcomes of SURVIVE patients who were on β-blocker therapy before receiving a single intravenous infusion of levosimendan or dobutamine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pleural effusions that are caused by congestive heart failure and refractory to medical management are rare, and the options for treating them are few and sometimes ineffective. We report here our experience, over a 2-year period, with a novel device, the Denver Biomedical PleurX® pleural catheter, in treating a series of 5 patients who had chronic, refractory, heart-failure-associated pleura/effusions. The PleurX catheter is a small-bore chest tube designed to remain in place for prolonged periods, through which drainage of pleural fluid can be performed easily on a daily or less frequent outpatient basis. Placement of the catheter, in our series, was associated with no complications. In all patients, the catheter effectively drained the pleura/space initially, thereby controlling the effusions and alleviating New York Heart Association functional class IV symptoms. The catheters remained in place for a period of 1 to 15 months. In 2 of the patients, the catheter was associated with no complications during the time that it remained in place. One of these patients had the catheter removed at heart transplantation, and 1 retained the catheter until death from underlying heart disease. For 1 patient, the catheter resulted in a partially loculated pleural space, and it was removed. In 2 patients, after prolonged use, it was associated with empyema, for which it was removed. We conclude that the PleurX catheter can effectively control refractory congestive-heart-failure-associated pleural effusions temporarily, but that its prolonged use can cause significant complications, most importantly empyema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital defect. This anomaly leads to a coronary hypoperfusion phenomenon and to substantial left ventricular dysfunction caused by abnormal perfusion of the left ventricle. The optimal surgical management of such cases is not clearly established. Here, we report the successful anatomic repair of ALCAPA arising from the non-facing sinus of Valsalva of the pulmonary artery in a 5-kg patient. In order to perform the repair, we created an autologous extrapulmonary tunnel (from a pulmonary artery flap and autologous pericardium), which we implanted into the ascending aorta. Because of postcardiotomy heart failure, we implanted an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device during the same procedure. After recovery of the failing heart, the device was easily explanted, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of blood pressure on outcomes after high-risk myocardial infarction is not well characterized. We studied the relationship between blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular events in 14 703 patients with heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or both after acute myocardial infarction in the Valsartan in Myocardial Infarction Trial. We assessed the relationship between antecedent hypertension and outcomes and the association between elevated (systolic: >140 mm Hg) or low blood pressure (systolic: <100 mm Hg) in 2 of 3 follow-up visits during the first 6 months and subsequent cardiovascular events over a median 24.7 months of follow-up. Antecedent hypertension independently increased the risk of heart failure (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.32), stroke (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.58), cardiovascular death (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.22), and the composite of death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, or cardiac arrest (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.21). While low blood pressure in the postmyocardial infarction period was associated with increased risk of adverse events, patients with elevated blood pressure (n=1226) were at significantly higher risk of stroke (adjusted HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.29) and combined cardiovascular events (adjusted HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.31). Six months after a high-risk myocardial infarction, elevated systolic blood pressure, a potentially modifiable risk factor, is associated with an increased risk of subsequent stroke and cardiovascular events. Whether aggressive antihypertensive treatment can reduce this risk remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To summarise the primary efficacy and safety results from the first international clinical trial with the VentrAssist™ left ventricular assist device and to provide an update on the VentrAssist™ Clinical Development Plan. Methods: The first prospective, single-arm, multicentre international clinical trial with the VentrAssist™ in bridge-to-transplant patients (CE Mark trial) was conducted in Australia, UK and Norway between 2004 and 2006. The primary outcome measure was survival until transplant or being transplant-eligible at postoperative day 154. The number and status of other clinical trials in the VentrAssist™ Clinical Development Plan are also described. Results: At the completion of the CE Mark trial, 25 of the 30 patients (83%) were transplanted or transplant-eligible. There were no unexpected safety issues and no reported uncontrolled stops of the VentrAssist™ pump. The Clinical Development Plan for the VentrAssist™ currently comprises seven clinical trials: two are completed, three are ongoing and two are ready for initiation. As of January 30th, 2007, a total of 87 patients have been implanted with the VentrAssist™ at 14 centres worldwide, yielding a total exposure time of more than 43 patient-years and a maximum implant duration of 2.7 years. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety data from a clinical trial of the VentrAssist™ were favourable and resulted in gaining European regulatory approval for this indication. Notably, the survival success rate for the VentrAssist™ was higher than that reported for other left ventricular assist devices. The overall number of implants with the VentrAssist™ has now surpassed that of any other third-generation centrifugal device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiac apoptosis diminishes the contractile mass, which leads to heart failure. Apoptosis of cardiac non-myocytes also contributes to maladaptive remodeling and the transition to decompensated congestive heart failure. New antiapoptotic interventions and medications will be available within the next decade. The aim of this study is to provide a critical synopsis of research projects on cardiocyte apoptosis that have implications for current and future practice and to identify methods to prevent or attenuate apoptosis in patients who have poor ventricular function. A retrospective literature review reveals a great many important publications. However, very few investigators discuss the clinical ramifications of cardiocyte apoptosis, nor do they address the clinician who sees poor ventricular contractility daily. Most studies are still investigational and involve antiapoptotic agents such as broad-spectrum caspase inhibitors, antioxidants, calcium channel blockers, insulin-like growth-factor 1, and poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) synthetase inhibitors. Some options have already been incorporated into the clinical practices of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons: repairing or replacing diseased or damaged valves before ventricular function deteriorates; reducing afterload with medication or intra-aortic balloon pulsation in patients who display acute increases in afterload; decreasing catecholamine-induced cardiotoxicity in hemodynamically compromised patients, by using [beta]-blockers and phosphodiesterase inhibitors; and inserting intra-aortic balloon pumps or ventricular assist devices early in cases of failing myocardium. Coronary revascularization early in myocardial infarction is effective antiapoptotic therapy. Other therapeutic targets are cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping, both of which require reductions in associated myocardial apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Primary malignant cardiac tumors are rare entities and rhabdomyosarcoma accounts 20% of these lesions. Case report. We presented a female patient with loss of appetite and loss of weight. She also had symptoms of heart failure and bilateral pleural effusions. A mobile tumor in the left heart with the entrance from the left atrium to left ventricle during diastole was seen by transthoracic echocardiography. The tumor was extirpated in total, histologic diagnosis was rhabdomyosarcoma, and the patient died after 6 months. Conclusion. Primary malignant cardiac tumors can simulate heart failure or systemic disorders. Cardiac rhabdomyosarcomas have a poor prognosis with the average survival of 6 months after the occurrence of symptoms and making a diagnosis. In cardiac insufficiency, differential diagnostics should be used to consider cardiac tumors that could be with certainty confirmed or excluded by echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prospectively investigated the effects of adding carvedilol to the standard treatment of ischemic and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), by measuring the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Sixty patients with DCM (35 ischemic and 25 nonischemic) were divided into 2 subgroups: patients on standard therapy alone (digoxin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and diuretics) and patients on standard therapy plus carvedilol. Study participants' serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured at the beginning and again at the end of the study. Left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular diastolic function were evaluated by means of radionuclide ventriculography. In ischemic patients on carvedilol, levels of IL-6 and TNF-α dropped significantly (P= 0.028 and P=0.034, respectively). In ischemic patients on standard treatment, plasma IL-2 levels were elevated after treatment (P=0.047). No significant differences occurred in IL-6 levels, while TNF-α levels were elevated (P=0.008). In nonischemic patients on carvedilol, IL-6 and TNF-α levels dropped significantly (P=0.018 and P=0.004, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly (P=0.006). In nonischemic patients on standard treatment, no significant change occurred in any value. Carvedilol suppressed the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in both ischemic and nonischemic patients. The carvedilol effect was more pronounced in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy than in those with ischemic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos de Bronconeumología (English Edition) is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Neumologia y Cirugia Toracica (SEPAR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Persons with congestive heart failure may be susceptible to ambient air pollution. The authors evaluated the association between exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and onset of symptom exacerbation leading to hospital admission in Baltimore, Maryland. They used a case-crossover design for 135 case events occurring among 125 persons with prevalent congestive heart failure who were admitted to a single hospital through the emergency department during 2002. The case period was assigned using three index times: 8-hour and 24-hour periods of symptom onset and date of hospital admission. Controlling for weather, the authors detected a modest relative increase in risk for cases defined by 8-hour symptom onset for an interquartile-range increase in PM2.5 at a 2-day lag (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 0.91, 1.30). A corresponding increase in risk was not observed when admission date was used to define the case period. A series of simulations based on study data indicated that the study had adequate statistical power to detect odds ratios of 1.2 or higher. Although overall findings were not statistically significant, the identification of case events defined by an 8-hour onset period may be more relevant than either a 24-hour onset period or the admission date for estimating harmful effects of air pollutant exposure on cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most patients with left main coronary artery stenosis undergo urgent coronary artery bypass grafting, limited information is available regarding the risk factors that might lead to cardiac events between angiographic diagnosis and surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 1,731 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution, 97 of which were performed in patients with significant (=50%) left main coronary artery stenosis. These patients were placed in 1 of 2 groups: eventful waiting or uneventful waiting. We analyzed multiple preoperative variables, and the incidence of serious cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, left ventricular failure, and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias) during the waiting period between angiography and surgery. Four patients (4.1%) experienced serious cardiac events while awaiting surgery (1 had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction; 3 had life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias); none died. All the events occurred more than 24 hours after cardiac catheterization. Of the preoperative variables analyzed (acute coronary syndrome, age, history of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, renal failure, severity of left main stenosis, right coronary artery involvement, ejection fraction, and use of intra-aortic balloon pump), only acute coronary syndrome predicted the incidence of preoperative cardiac events (P=0.001). The occurrence of severe cardiac events while patients await coronary artery bypass grafting is rare. Carefully selected patients with severe left main coronary artery stenosis can safely await surgery. Concomitant acute coronary syndrome and severe left main coronary artery stenosis indicate a high risk for cardiac events. Therefore, in patients with these conditions, emergency coronary artery bypass may be preferable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bartels MN, Whiteson JH, Alba AS, Kim H. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and cancer rehabilitation. 1. Cardiac rehabilitation review. Cardiac rehabilitation includes not only the rehabilitation of people with ischemic heart disease but also those with congestive heart failure, heart transplantation, congenital heart disease, and other conditions. New advances in medical treatment have arisen, and there are new approaches in treatment, including alternative medicine and complementary care. New surgical approaches that help restore cardiac function have also been introduced, and rehabilitation professionals must be aware of these advances and be able to incorporate this knowledge into the practice of rehabilitation medicine. Overall Article Objectives: (a) To identify major categories of cardiac disease, (b) to elucidate appropriate interventions and support for patients with coronary artery disease, (c) to describe the new interventions available for the treatment of cardiac disease, and (d) to describe the appropriate role of cardiac rehabilitation for people with various forms of cardiac disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A two-and-a-half-year-old female with an extensive facial and lingual hemangioma, associated high output cardiac failure, and a history of difficult intubation presented for central venous catheter (CVC) placement for vincristine chemotherapy. Anesthetic management of this complex case is presented and the complicating medical conditions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Elevated concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) at presentation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are associated with long-term mortality. Few data exist regarding serial assessment of BNP levels during follow-up. Objective To determine whether concentrations of BNP at study entry (prior to hospital discharge for ACS) and at outpatient follow-up at 4 months and 12 months are associated with subsequent clinical outcomes. Design, Setting, and Patients Prospective observational substudy of 4497 patients with non–ST-elevation or ST-elevation ACS who were enrolled in phase Z of the A to Z trial, which was conducted in 41 countries at 322 acute care hospitals between 1999 and 2003. Main Outcome Measure Death from any cause or new onset of congestive heart failure (CHF) through 2 years. Results Levels of BNP were available in 4266 patients at study entry (prior to hospital discharge), 3618 patients at 4 months, and 2966 patients at 12 months. During follow-up there were 230 deaths and 163 incident cases of CHF. Adjusting for age, sex, index event, renal function, hypertension, prior heart failure, and diabetes, elevated levels of BNP (>80 pg/mL) were associated with subsequent death or new CHF when measured at study entry (111 [21%] vs 246 [7%]; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-3.3), at 4 months (34 [19%] vs 125 [4%]; adjusted HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.6-6.0), and at 12 months (19 [11%] vs 37 [1%]; adjusted HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.5-8.9). Patients with newly elevated levels of BNP at 4 months were at increased risk of death or new CHF (10 [15%] vs 105 [3%]); HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-8.6). Patients with elevated levels of BNP at study entry and with BNP levels lower than 80 pg/mL at 4 months tended to have only modestly increased risk (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.9) compared with patients with BNP levels lower than 80 pg/mL at both visits. Conclusions Serial determinations of BNP levels during outpatient follow-up after ACS predict the risk of death or new CHF. Changes in BNP levels over time are associated with long-term clinical outcomes and may provide a basis for enhanced clinical decision making in patients after onset of ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells are multipotent, undifferentiated cells capable of multiplication and differentiation. Preliminary experimental evidence suggests that stem cells derived from embryonic or adult tissues (especially bone marrow) may develop into myocardial cells. Some experts believe that this phenomenon occurs naturally in human beings, specifically during recovery from a myocardial infarction. Recently, stem cells have been used with the therapeutic intention of regenerating damaged tissues. Cardiac experiments, mainly with adult homologous stem cells, have proved that this therapy is safe and may improve myocardial vascularization and pump function. We review current fundamental concepts regarding the normal development of embryonic stem cells into myocardial tissue and the heart as a whole. We describe the multiple conditions that naturally enable a stem cell to become a myocardial cell and a group of stem cells to become a heart. We also discuss the challenge of translating basic cellular and molecular mechanisms into effective, clinically relevant treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Subclinical hypothyroidism has been associated with systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction and an elevated cholesterol level, but data on cardiovascular outcomes and death are limited. Methods We studied 2730 men and women, aged 70 to 79 years, with baseline thyrotropin (TSH) measurements and 4-year follow-up data to determine whether subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and cardiovascular-related and total mortality. After the exclusion of participants with abnormal thyroxine levels, subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as a TSH level of 4.5 mIU/L or greater, and was further classified according to TSH levels (4.5-6.9, 7.0-9.9, and ≥10.0 mIU/L). Results Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 338 (12.4%) of the participants. Compared with euthyroid participants, CHF events occurred more frequently among those with a TSH level of 7.0 mIU/L or greater (35.0 vs 16.5 per 1000 person-years; P = .006), but not among those with TSH levels between 4.5 and 6.9 mIU/L. In multivariate analyses, the risk of CHF was higher among those with high TSH levels (TSH of 7.0-9.9 mIU/L: hazard ratio, 2.58 [95% confidence interval, 1.19-5.60]; and TSH of ≥10.0 mIU/L: hazard ratio, 3.26 [95% confidence interval, 1.37-7.77]). Among the 2555 participants without CHF at baseline, the hazard ratio for incident CHF events was 2.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-4.96; P = .03) in those with a TSH of 7.0 mIU/L or greater. Subclinical hypothyroidism was not associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or cardiovascular-related or total mortality. Conclusions Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk of CHF among older adults with a TSH level of 7.0 mIU/L or greater, but not with other cardiovascular events and mortality. Further investigation is warranted to assess whether subclinical hypothyroidism causes or worsens preexisting heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Health care expenditure per person is significantly higher in the United States compared with Canada, but whether there are differences in quality of care of many conditions is unknown. We compared the process of care and outcomes of patients with heart failure, the most common cause of hospitalization for individuals 65 years and older in both countries. Methods We compared processes of care and 30-day and 1-year risk-standardized mortality rates among 28 521 US Medicare beneficiaries and 8180 similarly aged patients in Ontario, Canada, hospitalized with heart failure from 1998 to 2001. Results More US patients underwent left ventricular ejection fraction assessment during hospitalization compared with Canadian patients (61.2% vs 41.7%, P<.001). At discharge, patients in the United States were prescribed β-blockers more frequently (28.7% vs 25.4%, P<.001) but angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors less frequently (54.3% vs 63.4%, P<.001). Among ideal candidates, prescription of β-blockers (32.5% vs 29.7%, P = .08) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (78.3% vs 77.6%, P = .68) was not significantly different between the 2 countries. The US patients had lower risk characteristics on admission and lower crude mortality rates at 30 days and 1 year. Thirty-day risk-standardized mortality was significantly lower for the US patients (8.9% vs 10.7%, P<.001), but 1-year risk-standardized mortality was no longer significantly different (32.2% vs 32.3%, P = .98). Conclusion Patients with heart failure who are hospitalized in the United States had lower short-term mortality at 30 days, but 1-year mortality rates were not significantly different between the United States and Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear transcription factors that modulate gene expression. Therapeutic agents targeting 2 distinct families of PPARs (α and γ) have been introduced in the United States. The first dual-PPAR agonist, muraglitazar, was reviewed by a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee on September 9, 2005, resulting in a vote of 8:1 recommending approval for its use in controlling blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Objective To evaluate the incidence of death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, congestive heart failure (CHF), and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in diabetic patients treated with muraglitazar compared with controls. Design, Setting, and Participants The source material for this analysis consisted of documents about phase 2 and 3 clinical trials released under public disclosure laws for the FDA advisory committee meeting. All reviewed trials were prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c levels between 7% and 10%. Patients (N = 3725) were randomized to receive differing doses of muraglitazar, pioglitazone, or placebo as monotherapy or in combination with metformin or glyburide in trials ranging from 24 to 104 weeks. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was the incidence of death, nonfatal MI, or nonfatal stroke. A more comprehensive composite outcome included these events plus the incidence of CHF and TIA. Results In the muraglitazar-treated patients, death, MI, or stroke occurred in 35 of 2374 (1.47%) patients compared with 9 of 1351 (0.67%) patients in the combined placebo and pioglitazone treatment groups (controls) (relative risk [RR], 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-4.66; P = .03). For the more comprehensive outcome measure that included TIA and CHF, the incidence was 50 of 2374 (2.11%) for muraglitazar compared with 11 of 1351 (0.81%) for controls (RR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.36-5.05; P = .004). Relative risks for each of the individual components of the composite end point exceeded 2.1 but were not statistically significant. Incidence of adjudicated CHF was 13 of 2374 (0.55%) muraglitazar-treated patients and 1 of 1351 controls (0.07%) (RR, 7.43; 95% CI, 0.97-56.8; P = .053). Conclusions Compared with placebo or pioglitazone, muraglitazar was associated with an excess incidence of the composite end point of death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MI, stroke, TIA), and CHF. This agent should not be approved to treat diabetes based on laboratory end points until safety is documented in a dedicated cardiovascular events trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent reports have suggested that anemia is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF), but were unable to adjust for a broad range of comorbid conditions. As a result, whether anemia is a truly independent predictor of risk or a marker of comorbid illness in these patients is unknown. Methods We analyzed medical records from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ National Heart Care Project, a national sample of 50 405 patients 65 years and older admitted to acute care hospitals with a principal discharge diagnosis of HF between April 1, 1998, and March 31, 1999, or between July 1, 2000, and June 30, 2001. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to test whether hematocrit level was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and HF-related readmission at 1 year. Results In unadjusted analysis, lower hematocrit levels were associated with increased 1-year mortality and readmission for HF. Compared with patients with a hematocrit greater than 40% to 44%, those with a hematocrit of 24% or less had a 51% higher risk of death (relative risk [RR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.68; P<.001) and a 17% higher risk of HF-related readmission (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34; P = .04). However, after adjustment for multiple comorbidities and other clinical factors, the association between lower hematocrit levels and increased 1-year mortality was markedly attenuated, even in those patients with the most severe anemia (hematocrit, ≤24% vs >40%-44%: RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.86-1.19; P = .85). The association between lower hematocrit values and HF-related readmission persisted after multivariable adjustment (hematocrit, ≤24% vs >40%-44%: RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.38; P = .01). Conclusions Although anemia is an independent predictor of hospital readmission, its relationship with increased mortality in HF patients is largely explained by the severity of comorbid illness. These findings suggest that anemia may be predominantly a marker rather than a mediator of increased mortality risk in older patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Dyspnea is a common complaint in the emergency department where physicians must accurately make a rapid diagnosis. Objective To assess the usefulness of history, symptoms, and signs along with routine diagnostic studies (chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, and serum B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]) that differentiate heart failure from other causes of dyspnea in the emergency department. Data Sources We searched MEDLINE (1966-July 2005) and the reference lists from retrieved articles, previous reviews, and physical examination textbooks. Study Selection We retained 22 studies of various findings for diagnosing heart failure in adult patients presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department. Data Extraction Two authors independently abstracted data (sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios [LRs]) and assessed methodological quality. Data Synthesis Many features increased the probability of heart failure, with the best feature for each category being the presence of (1) past history of heart failure (positive LR = 5.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-8.0); (2) the symptom of paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (positive LR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.5); (3) the sign of the third heart sound (S3) gallop (positive LR = 11; 95% CI, 4.9-25.0); (4) the chest radiograph showing pulmonary venous congestion (positive LR = 12.0; 95% CI, 6.8-21.0); and (5) electrocardiogram showing atrial fibrillation (positive LR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.8). The features that best decreased the probability of heart failure were the absence of (1) past history of heart failure (negative LR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.38-0.53); (2) the symptom of dyspnea on exertion (negative LR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35-0.67); (3) rales (negative LR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.37-0.70); (4) the chest radiograph showing cardiomegaly (negative LR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.23-0.48); and (5) any electrocardiogram abnormality (negative LR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47-0.88). A low serum BNP proved to be the most useful test (serum B-type natriuretic peptide <100 pg/mL; negative LR = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.16). Conclusions For dyspneic adult emergency department patients, a directed history, physical examination, chest radiograph, and electrocardiography should be performed. If the suspicion of heart failure remains, obtaining a serum BNP level may be helpful, especially for excluding heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), but it is not known whether angiotensin receptor blockers have the same effect. Objective To assess the impact of the angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan on MI and other coronary events in patients with heart failure. Design, Setting, and Participants The Candesartan in Heart Failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM) program, a randomized, placebo-controlled study enrolling patients (mean age, 66 [SD, 11] years) with New York Heart Association class II to IV symptoms who were randomly allocated to receive candesartan (target dose, 32 mg once daily) or matching placebo given in addition to optimal therapy for heart failure. Patients were enrolled from March 1999 through March 2001. Of 7599 patients allocated, 4004 (53%) had experienced a previous MI, and 1808 (24%) currently had angina. At baseline, 3125 (41%) were receiving an ACE inhibitor; 4203 (55%), a β-blocker; 3153 (42%), a lipid-lowering drug; 4246 (56%), aspirin; and 6286 (83%), a diuretic. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome of the present analysis was the composite of cardiovascular death or nonfatal MI in patients with heart failure receiving candesartan or placebo. Results During the median follow-up of 37.7 months, the primary outcome of cardiovascular death or nonfatal MI was significantly reduced in the candesartan group (775 patients [20.4%]) vs the placebo group (868 [22.9%]) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.96; P = .004; number needed to treat [NNT], 40). Nonfatal MI alone was also significantly reduced in the candesartan group (116 [3.1%]) vs the placebo group (148 [3.9%]) (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60-0.98; P = .03; NNT, 118). The secondary outcome of fatal MI, sudden death, or nonfatal MI was significantly reduced with candesartan (459 [12.1%]) vs placebo (522 [13.8%]) (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.97; P = .02; NNT, 59). Risk reductions in cardiovascular death or nonfatal MI were similar across predetermined subgroups and the component CHARM trials. There was no impact on hospitalizations for unstable angina or coronary revascularization procedures with candesartan. Conclusion In patients with heart failure, candesartan significantly reduces the risk of the composite outcome of cardiovascular death or nonfatal MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Polypharmacy—the concurrent prescription of multiple medications—is a salient consideration in the care of older patients with heart failure. Little is known, however, about the complexity and financial burden of medical therapy in this population. Methods This is a study of the chronic medications prescribed at hospital discharge to patients 65 years or older hospitalized for heart failure in 2 cohorts separated by 27 months (April 1998–March 1999, n = 31 602; July 2000–June 2001, n = 30 774). Three utilization measures were assessed: the number of drugs, the estimated number of doses per day, and the estimated annual costs using the same cost standard (2003 average wholesale prices) for both samples. Utilization associated with population characteristics and between time frames was assessed in multivariable models. Results In 1998-1999, the mean number of drugs was 6.8, representing 10.1 doses daily at a cost of $3142/y, increasing to 7.5 drugs, 11.1 doses daily and $3823/y in 2000-2001 (P<.001 for all comparisons). After adjustment, the number of drugs increased by 12% and costs by 24% between samples. Factors associated with greater complexity and cost included diabetes (1.6 additional drugs and $1094/y additional cost), prior revascularization (1.3 drugs, $1154/y), and chronic lung disease (1.2 drugs, $814/y). Younger age and white race were also associated with more drugs and higher costs. Conclusions The drug treatment of older patients with heart failure is characterized by rapidly increasing complexity and cost. Efforts should be directed toward optimizing the complex drug regimens of elderly patients with heart failure and multiple comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) have been used to guide therapy in multiple settings, but recent studies have raised concerns that PACs may lead to increased mortality in hospitalized patients. Objective To determine whether PAC use is safe and improves clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with severe symptomatic and recurrent heart failure. Design, Setting, and Participants The Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) was a randomized controlled trial of 433 patients at 26 sites conducted from January 18, 2000, to November 17, 2003. Patients were assigned to receive therapy guided by clinical assessment and a PAC or clinical assessment alone. The target in both groups was resolution of clinical congestion, with additional PAC targets of a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 15 mm Hg and a right atrial pressure of 8 mm Hg. Medications were not specified, but inotrope use was explicitly discouraged. Main Outcome Measures The primary end point was days alive out of the hospital during the first 6 months, with secondary end points of exercise, quality of life, biochemical, and echocardiographic changes. Results Severity of illness was reflected by the following values: average left ventricular ejection fraction, 19%; systolic blood pressure, 106 mm Hg; sodium level, 137 mEq/L; urea nitrogen, 35 mg/dL (12.40 mmol/L); and creatinine, 1.5 mg/dL (132.6 μmol/L). Therapy in both groups led to substantial reduction in symptoms, jugular venous pressure, and edema. Use of the PAC did not significantly affect the primary end point of days alive and out of the hospital during the first 6 months (133 days vs 135 days; hazard ratio [HR], 1.00 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.82-1.21]; P = .99), mortality (43 patients [10%] vs 38 patients [9%]; odds ratio [OR], 1.26 [95% CI, 0.78-2.03]; P = .35), or the number of days hospitalized (8.7 vs 8.3; HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.86-1.27]; P = .67). In-hospital adverse events were more common among patients in the PAC group (47 [21.9%] vs 25 [11.5%]; P = .04). There were no deaths related to PAC use, and no difference for in-hospital plus 30-day mortality (10 [4.7%] vs 11 [5.0%]; OR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.38-2.22]; P = .97). Exercise and quality of life end points improved in both groups with a trend toward greater improvement with the PAC, which reached significance for the time trade-off at all time points after randomization. Conclusions Therapy to reduce volume overload during hospitalization for heart failure led to marked improvement in signs and symptoms of elevated filling pressures with or without the PAC. Addition of the PAC to careful clinical assessment increased anticipated adverse events, but did not affect overall mortality and hospitalization. Future trials should test noninvasive assessments with specific treatment strategies that could be used to better tailor therapy for both survival time and survival quality as valued by patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Patients with heart failure have a wide spectrum of mortality risks. To maximize the benefit of available pharmacotherapies, patients with high mortality risk should receive high rates of drug therapy. Objective To examine patterns of drug therapy and underlying mortality risk in patients with heart failure. Design, Setting, and Patients In the Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment (EFFECT) population-based cohort (1999-2001) of 9942 patients with heart failure hospitalized in Ontario, Canada, we evaluated 1418 patients with documented left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less and aged 79 years or younger with low-, average-, and high-predicted risk of death within 1 year; all patients survived to hospital discharge. Administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and β-adrenoreceptor antagonists was evaluated according to predicted risk of death. Main Outcome Measure Heart failure drug administration rates at time of discharge and 90 days after hospital discharge. Results At hospital discharge, prescription rates for patients in the low-, average-, and high-risk groups were 81%, 73%, 60%, respectively, for ACE inhibitors; 86%, 80%, 65%, respectively, for ACE inhibitors or ARBs; and 40%, 33%, 24%, respectively, for β-adrenoreceptor antagonists (all P<.001 for trend). Within 90 days following hospital discharge, the rates were 83%, 76%, and 61% for ACE inhibitors; 89%, 83%, and 67% for ACE inhibitors or ARBs; and 43%, 36%, and 28% for β-adrenoreceptor antagonists for the 3 risk groups, respectively (all P<.001 for trend). The pattern of lower rates of drug administration in those patients at increasing risk was maintained up to 1 year postdischarge (P<.001). After accounting for varying survival time and potential contraindications to therapy, low-risk patients were more likely to receive ACE inhibitors or ARBs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-1.74) and β-adrenoreceptor antagonists (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.60-2.01) compared with high-risk patients (both P<.001). Conclusions Patients with heart failure at greatest risk of death are least likely to receive ACE inhibitors, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and β-adrenoreceptor antagonists. Understanding the reasons underlying this mismatch may facilitate improvements in care and outcomes for patients with heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]